The Pitch Pipe - October 2008 - (Page 31) young women in harmony VIVA LA BARBERSHOP! “When then curtain opens, everything you’ve worked for is right there and you get to see it! And you just feel so proud!” — Amiee Townsend, a second year camper at the Singing Buckeyes Harmony Camp in Columbus, Ohio. Currently, and very proudly, in its fourteenth year, Harmony Camp was created by the Singing Buckeyes to draw teens into barbershop singing. Amiee loves singing barbershop and is excited to come back to camp next year. This year, 264 teen girls and boys joined together for a weeks worth of chordbusting harmony. With the Singing Buckeyes Harmony Camp (www.harmonycamp.org) being the largest in the country, teens come from all over the U.S. to sing. Words alone cannot describe the impact one week has on the future of these young barbershoppers. Some campers may enter having never sung a note of barbershop in their life, while some attend as a hopeful quartet. Within four days, they all perform choreographed numbers together on a stage in front of thousands. The staff and volunteers that run the camp are a compilation of some of the most talented and qualified names in barbershop. Directing the boys’ chorus is two-time quartet gold medalist Gary Lewis. Gary’s profound talent and passion for teaching pushes the chorus to perform at its fullest potential. Jennifer Edwards began her first year directing the girls’ chorus. Jennifer has been chosen as the recipient of the 2008 MENC award. Her extensive talent and spark proved to produce an amazing chorus this year. Coaches for the camp include two-time quartet gold medalist LeeAnn Hazlett and International top ten quarteter, Brian O’Dell. Singing Buckeye, Dave Kracker, is the main coordinator of the camp, and Darlene Inscho is an amazing woman and key component to keeping the camp running smoothly. The camp wouldn’t happen without its many volunteers. Approximately 45 volunteers dedicate four days of their summer to be at camp because of their belief in what it brings to so many youth. Not only are campers immersed in an intelligible barbershop staff, they have many opportunities to watch great artists perform such as MAX Q, MOXIE LADIES, and this year METROPOLIS and JACKPOT! Members of Sweet Adelines International and the Barbershop Harmony Society are among the main financial supporters for the camp, along with the Singing Buckeyes Chapter. There are also many opportunities for choruses to raise money to grant scholarships towards camper tuition. Overall, Harmony Camp is an influential event for any interested youth. The camp has so many positive effects on the campers that help to further their barbershop experience. Many teens form quartets while at camp and in turn may compete in the Rising Star Contest. Some campers are also compelled to join choruses in their region. The experience of Harmony Camp appears to be worthwhile to all those that attend. Not the least of all is the confidence of being part of a larger than normal ensemble and an awesome final product. Helping to ensure that music is a fundamental part of their future. When asked, “How would you sum up Harmony Camp in one thought?” First year camper, Paige Willis, excitedly responded, “I’m comin’ back!” Do you have a YWIH program in your area to support with your time, talent or donations? As one of those 45 volunteers, I’ve certainly found mine! Submitted by Jeannie Woods, Harmony Camp counselor, former camper and former member of Pride of Toledo Chorus Girls’ Harmony Camp chorus rehearsal. Girls’ Harmony Camp chorus rehearsal. Harmony campers enjoy the retro dance party. Vicky Woods, Pride of Toledo, Region 17. October 2008 31 http://www.harmonycamp.org
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.